Jonathon Brooks Headed to Injured Reserve for Core Muscle Surgery

Another Setback for Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is expected to undergo core muscle surgery on Wednesday. The injury will land him on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least six weeks of action.

Brooks suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday's victory against the Atlanta Falcons. He left the field with what was initially called a groin injury, walking to the tunnel with a towel over his head. He was later seen limping slowly to the locker room.

This is a tough blow for the young running back, who was drafted in the second round in 2024. He has struggled with injuries early in his career, having already recovered from back to back ACL surgeries on his right knee. Those knee injuries cost him most of his rookie season and the entirety of the 2025 season. He finally participated in training camp and preseason this summer for the first time.

How Carolina Fills the Void

In two games this season, Brooks had recorded 30 rushing yards on nine carries, along with 43 receiving yards on two catches. With his absence, the Panthers will look to get him back after their early bye in Week 5. If everything goes well, he might only miss five games.

In the meantime, the Panthers will continue to rely heavily on veteran Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard has been the primary starter, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown while adding 49 receiving yards and two touchdowns on five catches.

Veteran AJ Dillon will back up Hubbard as a change of pace option. The team will also need to find a third running back for depth. Practice squad players Anthony Tyus III and Ahmani Marshall are options. Tyus played heavily in the preseason, while Marshall is in his second year.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (NFL, Fri, 25 Sep): Green Bay Packers win 75%, Atlanta Falcons win 25%; projected score Green Bay Packers 26, Atlanta Falcons 20. Our safest pick: Packers to win.